Considered by many to be simply a new age exercise fad, yoga has been around a long time and has helped thousands of people to improve their physical and mental fitness. Yoga has come to be embraced by everyone from the elderly to professional athletes. Basketball, baseball and football players now regularly practice yoga for the increased flexibility, improvements in balance and resistance to injuries gained by regular yoga sessions.
The benefits of practicing yoga have been recognized for centuries. The first historical records of yoga practice date back over 4,000 years in India as an integral part of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Even today yoga is practiced by millions of Indians for the physical and spiritual benefits. Today in the West most people aren’t doing yoga in the search for enlightenment but to get the exercise and health benefits.
In many other parts of the world, yoga is popular because of its many health benefits and its associated use as fitness exercises. One of the pillars of physical fitness is flexibility
So what are some good reasons to practice yoga?
1. Yoga is wonderful for treating and preventing back injuries. The gentle stretching and resistance training provided by yoga gives you a strong, toned core.
2. Protection against injuries. You will gain resistance to injuries as well as a much shorter recovery time when you practice yoga to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
3. Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control. The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga will help you have a better state of mind. Better control of your stress levels means you’ll be happier both at work and at home.
4. Overall Well Being. You’ll look younger because your posture is better and you’re more relaxed. You’ll probably start losing weight, too.
5. You’ll start sleeping better. With the stress and tension gone, you can’t help but sleep better at night.
One of the great features of yoga is that almost anyone can do it with very minimal training. From the very young to the elderly, there are poses that all levels can do to get started. If you’re just getting started, sign up for a class and look for one that says “low impact” or “beginner”. You’ll soon be moving on to more and more advanced poses. If you have any questions if yoga is right for you, check with your doctor.
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